#1: Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups, or period cups take the top spot on our list of the Top 5 Sanitary Products for 2018. What exactly are menstrual cups? The short answer is that they are bell-shaped cylinders that you insert into your vaginal canal to collect menstrual fluid.

They are usually made of medical grade silicone, although the Keeper Cup is made of Latex, while the Meluna is made from Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE).

Basically, they menstrual cups take the place of tampons because they are inserted inside you. Instead of absorbing fluid like tampons, they collect it.

If you’re looking to get your first menstrual cup, or switch to another menstrual cup brand, then you’ll need to check this out.

Five easy questions, a couple minutes of your time, and then you’ll have a recommendation for the best menstrual cup for your body type. We’ve combined our popular menstrual cup comparison chart, with all the information we’ve gleaned from reviewing all the cups and put it to work for you:

Menstrual cups take this top spot because we think that they are the best thing to be invented since sliced bread. They have the potential to change the world for the better. It’s our goal to have one of these things in the hands of every single menstruating person in the world.

Here’s why menstrual cups float out boat.

Reusable Sanitary Products: Great for the Environment

The average person in the USA uses 11,000-16,000tampons over the course of their lifetime. This is a lot of waste going into the landfill. Also consider things like pantyliners, and disposable sanitary napkins. It’s certainly a lot of sanitary products being thrown in the trash, when there is a much better option.

Menstrual cups have an average lifespan of 5 years, and they can last up to 10 years with proper care and cleaning. A single piece of silicone instead of all those tampons for a decade? Love it! And so does our Earth. It’s really easy to reduce our eco-footprints and tread lightly.

Save Money Compared to Disposables

Just as using a menstrual cup is better for the world than tampons, it’s also much cheaper. The average menstrual cup costs around $30 USD. There are some very cheap menstrual cups out of China, but they should be avoided as they’re not made of the highest quality medical grade silicone. They’re also so flimsy that it’s very hard to insert them correctly, and to not get them to leak like crazy.

An average box of tampons costs about $5, and disposable pads are pretty similar. This can add up quickly, particularly if you have a heavy period and are using a whole box of pads, as well as tampons every single month. You should be able to recoup your menstrual cup costs back in as little as a few months.

The Huffington Post has broken down the “pink-tax” for us. Have a look at this article.

Better for your Health

Non-organic tampons and pads contain harmful chemicals and pesticides. The pesticides are from the cotton used in the products, while the chemicals are from the manufacturing process. These things aren’t good for our bodies. This is particularly the case when they’re inside our vaginal canals, or next to our skin.

Menstrual cups are non-toxic, don’t leach chemicals, and the more reputable ones are FDA approved. There have been no reported cases of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) being associated with menstrual cups, unlike with tampons.

Check out this article from Time Magazine about this problem. It’s a vicious cycle-lack of information about what’s in these products, and the FDA declaring them “safe” due to lack of evidence. Because they’re considered “safe,” no further research studies are done!

Less Hassle

The final reason menstrual cups take top spot on our list of the best sanitary products is that they’re less hassle. The average cup has a capacity of 30 ml, compared to even a jumbo tampon with 10 ml. Three times more capacity equals three times less hassle!

Why Switch to a Period Cup? Even More Reasons

Can I Wear a Menstrual Cup When Not on My Period?

Some people who experience vaginal discharge wonder if they can wear a menstrual cup, even when they’re not on their period. Instead of dealing with panty-liners, changing underwear, etc., some people find it easier to just empty their menstrual cup once in the morning, and then at night.

The other reason you might want to wear a menstrual cup all the time is if you have stress urinary incontinence. This can happen to athletic people who may let out small amounts of urine when exerting themselves. For example, pitching in softball, doing some serious weightlifting, etc. Some people find that wearing a menstrual cup prevents this from happening as frequently.

From our research, no menstrual cup company recommends specifically against this. From our own experience, we believe the same thing. Menstrual cups, when compared to tampons are far safer, and come with a much, much smaller risk or the rare, but deadly Toxic Shock Syndrome(TSS).

Of course, we are NOT medical professionals. Please consult with your doctor before wearing your menstrual cup all the time, even when you’re not on your period.

Even More Reasons to Use a Menstrual Cup

Buy a Menstrual Cup

There are many great menstrual cup options on the market today, but taking top spot on our list of the Best Menstrual Cups for 2018 is the Diva Cup. It’s the sanitary product that belongs in the bathroom of just about everybody who menstruates! We particularly love the Diva Cup for the following reasons:

It’s readily available, even in most local stores around the world (especially true in North America)

It’s manufactured in Canada

Most people who use it, stick with it for the rest of their lives

Some very high user ratings on Amazon

It’s the menstrual cup to which all others are compared

Made from top-quality medical grade silicone

What People are Saying about the Diva Cup:

“My only regret about the Diva Cup is not knowing about it earlier in my life! I can’t believe this one single thing replaces all those pads and tampons I used to waste my money on. It’s a miracle and I wish more people knew about it.” Jen T.

“The Diva Cup is the most popular menstrual cup in the world, and now that I have one, I can see why. It’s a great cup and I found the price to be very reasonable for what I’m getting.” Amy A.

If this sounds like a sanitary product that you’d like to try, check it out for yourself on Amazon:

#2: Reusable Cloth Pads

Next up on our list of the best sanitary products for 2018 are reusable cloth pads. Reusable cotton pads replace disposable ones. You wear them, wash them with your regular laundry, and then can use them for years.

With proper care, cloth menstrual pads can last for 10 years or more. Reusable cotton pads have many of the same advantages of menstrual cups as compared to tampons, including money saving potential, environmental, as well as health benefits.

Save Money, and the Environment with Reusable Sanitary Products

The average person needs around six of them to get through their period in style. The amount you need depends on how often you do laundry.

When compared to disposables, you’ll save money, as well as the environment in short order by using reusable cloth pads!

Cloth Pads are Better for your Health

Reusable cloth pads, like menstrual cups, also have the advantage of being much better for your body. They don’t contain all the chemicals and pesticides that disposable pads do, after you wash them. Even better, consider buying the organic cotton ones that are readily available on Amazon.

The Best Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads

Buy Reusable Cloth Pads

If reusable cloth pads sound like a sanitary product that you’ve been missing out on, then you’ll need to get some! Or, make your own, but if you’re like me, then maybe buying is better? Taking top spot on our list of the Top 5 Cloth Menstrual Pads is the Wegreeco Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pad. We’re really into these pads from Wegreeco for the following reasons:

Affordably priced

Nice variety of sizes

Cute design

Stain-proof fabric that feels nice against the skin

Extremely high user ratings on Amazon (highest in the category)

Waterproof outer layer that prevents leaks

They stay in place very well with the snaps, unlike some of the other reusable pads out there

What People are Saying about Wegreeco Reusable Sanitary Napkins:

“I love the wings on these ones-it holds them in place better than some of the other ones I’ve tried that seem to slide around a lot.” Tara S.

“Regular menstrual pads irritate my skin like nothing else. I finish my period with a rash. So happy that I made the switch to these ones-all those problems are gone.” Bobbi P.

If these reusable pads from Wegreeco sound like one of the best sanitary products that you’ve been missing out on, you can check them out on Amazon here:

Menstrual Cup vs Cloth Pads: Which One is Right for Me?

That’s why we’ve put together our period product quiz. There are a few simple questions that will take less than a minute of your time. At the end, you’ll get our top recommendation for period protection, menstrual cups, cloth pads, tampons, Soft Cups, and more.

#3: Organic Tampons

Some people don’t like menstrual cups and prefer to use other sanitary products. I totally get that. Maybe they feel uncomfortable, give you cramps, or you just never really get the hang of inserting them. Can I convince you to try again? Or try another size of cup? You might have one that is either too big, or too small.

An Alternative to Regular Tampons

Not convinced to give it another go? That’s okay. I have some good news for you! There is another option that’s better than regular disposable tampons, and that’s organic tampons.

Regular tampons contains all sorts of pesticides and chemicals in them that aren’t good for our bodies. And the worst part about it is that companies in the USA aren’t required to disclose their ingredients.

This is a scary thing for me—not knowing what’s in a product that I put INSIDE my body for up to a week of every month. That’s why I’ve made the switch to organic tampons.

Expensive for a Sanitary Product?

Organic tampons are a fair bit more expensive than the regular ones from your local drugstore. This is especially true if you shop at a natural food store and get them there. However, there are some reasonably priced options on Amazon, and shipping is often free with Amazon prime. On average, they’re 20-50% cheaper than the prices at natural food stores!

Some things are not worth going organic for, but this sanitary product most certainly is!

“They work fine, and I’m happy that I’m not exposing my body to all those chemicals in regular tampons.” Donna M.

“These ones from Natracare solved the irritation issues that I was having with regular tampons. I must have been allergic to something. Anyway, happy I made the switch to organics. It’s worth the slightly higher price for sure.” Cathy A.

If you’re ready to make the switch from conventional tampons, to organic ones, check out Natracare on Amazon:

#4: Period Panties: Another Reusable Sanitary Product

Next up on our list of the best sanitary products for 2018 are period panties. They’ve become trendier in recent months with a very successful marketing campaign from Thinx. It kind of seems like everyone has heard of them.

However, we don’t recommend Thinx here atReusable Menstrual Cups. This is because we’ve heard numerous reports of them not honouring their referral commitments ($10 for every person you refer to them). Companies that don’t honour their commitments? Not cool!

Not to worry, there are plenty of other excellent period panties on the market today with slightly better reputations, albeit lower marketing budgets! We’ll share period panties in a little bit.

Best When Paired with Another Form of Sanitary Protection

Period panties are quite similar to reusable cloth pads, but instead of attaching a cloth pad to your regular underwear, the pad and underwear are one unit. Although not designed to be your sole source of protection, especially on heavier days, they do offer some great backup. For example, they work well when paired with a menstrual cup, or organic tampon.

If you experience a bit of leaking, you’re still good when wearing a pair of period underwear. You throw period panties into the wash at the end of the day, like regular panties. In our experience, they can absorb more than you might think.

“I love how breathable these things are. It’s never sweaty or gross down there anymore since I started using these. I find that they just work better for me than disposable pads.” Eva A.

“I love having an added layer or protection when I’m wearing a menstrual cup.” Heidi D.

If period panties sound like the sanitary products that belong in your dresser, check them out for yourself on Amazon:

#5: First Period Starter Kit

One of the new things that have come onto the market in recent years are first period starter kits. Although we think menstrual cups are the best thing since sliced bread, these ones come out a close second.

Celebrate your daughter’s first period with a period starter kit. Although they vary in what they contain, the best ones have a menstrual cup, reusable cloth pad, disposables pads and tampons, as well as some literature about menstruation. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate this important right of passage.

There are a few different period starter kits available today (check them all out on Amazon). There is one to suit just about any budget. We’ll give you the details about a couple of our favourite ones.

Luna Cup Period Starter Kit

TheLuna Cup Period Starter Kit Set focuses on reusable sanitary products. It contains one small, and one large Luna Menstrual cup, as well as a silk storage bag. There are also three reusable cloth pads, and a wet bag to hold used pads when on the go outside the house. The price is extremely reasonable, especially considering that you’re getting two menstrual cups along with it.

Reviews on Amazon for this kit are excellent, and we give the Luna Cup a solid recommendation here at Reusable Menstrual Cups. Most people that use it really seem to like it-it’s a nice firmness, it’s easy to insert and doesn’t leak.

We love the fact that both sizes of cup are included with this kit-try them both out and see which one works best for you. It can sometimes be hard to tell until you give them a test run.

You can get the Luna Cup Period Starter Kit on Amazon today:

First Period Gift Box by Lunar Wild

It’ll be available in Spring of 2018, so get your pre-order on! It contains a menstrual cup, reusable cloth pads, disposable feminine hygiene products, and luxury self-care products like candles and bath bombs. You’ll also find empowered literature about womanhood and period management. It’s all packaged up in a beautiful looking box.

This gift box from Lunar Wild would make an excellent gift for any young girl in your life!

Have you Say about the Best Sanitary Products for 2018

That brings us to the end of the best sanitary products for 2018 and beyond. What are you going to do to get your period on in style this year? Try a menstrual cup? Check out reusable cloth pads? Buy a first period starter kit for a young girl in your life? Leave a comment below and let us know!